California Assembly panel approves legislation preventing police from viewing body camera footage

While states and cities across the country are rushing to pass body camera legislation that primarily benefits police, a California Assembly panel approved what may be the most intelligent and thoughtful legislation yet on police-worn body cameras:

Despite opposition from law enforcement groups, a state Assembly panel approved legislation Tuesday that would set strict rules for police officers wearing body cameras, including a prohibition on officers reviewing video footage before they make their initial statement on use-of-force incidents.

Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) said she introduced the measure to “to ensure the public’s trust in law enforcement” after a series of recent police shootings of unarmed African American men.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee voted 5-1 to approve the measure, which sets statewide standards for use by law enforcement agencies that decide to require their officers to wear body cameras.  READ MORE